Apparatus for reducing metal stock



Jan. 10, 1933.

I e. 5. cos

.APPARATUS FOR REDUCING METAL STOCK Filed Nov. 15; 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR Jan. 10,1933. COE 1,894,232

I APPARATUS FOR REDUCING METAL STOCK Filed Nov, 15. 1930 5 sheets shee t-2 IIIIIIIHIHIIIIIH llllllllllll A INVENVTOR Qwyefi$ ATTORN EYE G. B.COE

APPARATUS FOR REDUCING METAL STOCK Jan. '10, 1933.

Filed NOV, 15. 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 5 m Y W W M li gli $4.

Jan. 10, 1933. CO5 1,894,232

APPARATUS FOR REDUCING METAL STOCK Filed Nov. 15, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 4INVE'NTOR Geo/9e 5 (be BY v A TORNEYS Jan. 10, 1933. s. B. coE

APPARATUS FOR REDUCING METAL STOCK 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 15, 1930INVENTOR 520/ 6 8 foe .ill A mum ATTORNEYS I 50 rod 13 (Fig. 4) from t IPatented Jan. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE E. COE, OF WATERZBUBY, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNEASSIGNMENTS, TO TUBE REDUCING CORPORATION, OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, ACORPORATION OF DELAWARE APPARATUS FOR REDUCING METAL STOCK Applicationfiled November 15, 1930. Serial No. 495,829.

This invention relates to apparatus for reducing metal stock and inparticular to apparatus for reducing the cross-sectional area of tubularstock by working it in successive increments toward the starting end ofthe length of stock.

The object of the invention is to provide improvements in this art; andinter alia to provide fluid operated apparatus for .manipulating thestock. The nature and objects of the invention may best be understoodfrom the following disclosure of a selected embodiment of the inventiongiven by way of illustration. This will now be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is atop plan view of apparatus embodylng the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation;

Fig. -3 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 33 of Fig.1;

Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig.1;

Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1,the parts being shifted somewhat in position; and

Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 6- -6 ofFig. 1, the parts being in positions corresponding to Fig. 5.

The invention falls in that class of apparatus which reduces stock insuccessive relativel short increments by successively working theincrements of length down toward the starting end of the stock. In thisclass of apparatus the tools which work upon the stock may be referredto collectively as swages because they act repeatedly by compression toreduce the stock. There are several known types of such tools or swages,all of which are substantially equivalent to eccentric gapped rolls, andany of'which may be employed in connection with the present invention.The swages shown by way of example in Fig. 1 comprise a set ofoscillating roc ers 10. The rockers are journaled in a reciprocatingframe or saddle 11 slidably mounted on a base frame 12. The saddle maybe reciprocated by any suitable driving connection, for exam le by theconnecting he main shaft 14. The

rockers are constrained to have rolling movement together along theiradjacent edges by any suitable means (not shown). Since the pivots ofthe rockers are reciprocated by and with the saddle, this means willassume the form of a device for holding the working faces of the rockersagainst longitudinal slippage during their rocking movements.

The present machine is adapted to reduce tubular stock so, as shown inFig. 1, a mandrel 16 is provided for supporting the stock 17. Not all ofthe machine is shown but it 1s to be understood that the mandrel extendsthrough the working or central axis of the front part of the machinewhich is shown, back to a tail stock which holds the mandrelsubstantially against longitudinal movement, rotates it intermittentlyto chan e the posture of the stock, and permits tubular stock to be fedinto the machine over the rear end ofv the mandrel so as to travel tothe reduc ing devices in end-to-end relationshi continuously or inendless succession. The tail stock may be the same as that disclosed inmy copending application, Serial number 448,222, filed April 29, 1930.Herein there is shown a portion of the driving mechanism for turning thestock.

This driving mechanism, as shown in Fi 1, comprises a gear 20 on themain crank shaft 14, driving a gear 21 on a stub shaft 22, the gear 21in turn through intermediate elliptical or eccentric gears 26, 27driving a trans verse shaft 28. Part of the turn driving mechanism isconcealed within the casin 29 35 but it may be the same as that disclosein my cop'ending application, Serial number 465,364, filed July 2, 1930.It is suficient to know that the concealed mechanism in conjunction withthe eccentric gears 26 and 27 provides intermittent accelerated anddecelerated movement for the turning mechanism on the machine.

The drive train emerges by the hollow shaft 36 (hollow for passage ofthe stock therethrough) which through a car 39 thereon and a gear 40drives the stoc turning shaft 41 extending to the tail stock.Cooperating with the gear 40 on the shaft 41 is a clutch sleeve 42slidably keyed on the same shaft.

The sleeve is retained by a collar 43 (Fig. 2).

The clutch sleeve 42 is provided with an annular groove 44 in whichoperates the bifurcated end of a clutch shift arm 45 fast on a verticalshaft 46. The shaft 46 is mounted in a bearing bracket 47. At its upperend it bracket 53. By this means the turning mechanism may be throwninto or out of operation at will.

Tension rods 54 extend from the front end of the machine to the tailstock totie the parts rigidly together. Specifically, the tie rods areattached at one end to the tail stock which holds the mandrelsubstantially fixed longitudinally and at the other end to the frame 55which supports the mechanism emplayed for feeding the stock to thereducing evices, i. e., for sliding the stock along the mandrel.

Near the front end of the machine a base seat 56 is provided formounting stock-holdin mechanism or stock-rotating mechanism,

neither of which'is illustrated since it forms no part of the presentinvention.

The description thus far has been directed to mechanisms which have allbeen disclosed in others of my applications but which are describedagain here to show the general combination with which the herein claimedapparatus is associated. A description of the apparatus more germane tothe present invention will now be given.

The stock may be fed (Figs. 4 and 5) by gripper jaws 60 which directlyengage the outer longitudinal surface of the stock. The

jaws are normally biased apart by springs 61 disposed in sockets formedin the jaws and guided by dowel pins 62. The jaws are interiorlyroughened to engage and hold the stock. They are mounted in a feed frame65 which directly backs up the opposite ends of the jaws but permitsthem to have a lateral movement for gripping and releasing the stock.

Thejaws are operated by any suitable mechanism under fluid power. Asshown in Fig. 5 the jaws are engaged by the rounded short ends of clamplevers 66 rotatable about j ournals 67 fixed in the feed frame 65. Theupper lon rounded ends of the levers 66 are engage by the outer ends ofpistons 68 0pcrating in the cylinder 69 secured on the frame 65.

The pistons are forced apart by fluid'pressure and are constantly urgedback into the cylinder by springs 70 disposed on lugs 71 formed onriders 72 secured to the upper ends of the lovers and to fixed brackets73 at tached by cap bolts 74 to the frame 55. The springs aresufliciently long to accommodate the movement of the frame whichreciprocates with respect to the fixed brackets 78.

Movement of the pistons and levers and consequently of the gripper jawsma be equalized by any suitable means. As s own in Figs. 1 and 5, theriders 72 are surmounted by stud ins 75 to which are ivoted links 76.The links are pivoted at t eir inner ends to an equalizing lever 77journaled at its center upon a cap bolt 78 secured to the c linder.

The reciprocable frame 65 is provi ed with longitudinal ribs 80 slidablealong guideways 81 provided on the fixed frame 55 and retained by plates82 and cap bolts 83. The fixed frame 55 is retained upon the base frame12 by bolts 84.

Means are provided for operating the pistons 68 to clamp the jaws uponthe stock and for subsequently moving the frame 65 carrying the jaws tofeed the stock. The means herein shown for this purpose are hydraulicmeans. The hydraulic devices are actuated -in timed relation with theother mechanism of the machine by the rocker saddle.

Fluid is admitted to the center of the cylinder 69 (Fig. 4) by way of acentral port 85 and the pi e 86 secured to the cylinder by a coupling 87 held by cap bolts 88 (Fig. 1). The pipe is telescopically received bya packing gland 90 provided on a fixed box 91.

Fluid under pressure is delivered to the box 91 by way of a curved pipe92 from a gripper cylinder 93. The c linder and associated pipes arekept full 0 fluid by way of a pipe 94 from a reservoir 95. A check valve96 is placed in the pipe 94 to keep fluid from being forced backwardinto the reservoir.

In order to avoid excessive pressure on the gripper jaws, the fluidpressure system, specifically the box 91, is provided with a relief pipe97 leading back to the reservoir 95. A spring loaded relief valve 98 inthe pipe 97 may be adjusted to give any desired pressure.

The details of the gripper cylinder 93 and related parts are shown inFig. 6. A gripper piston 101 is fitted within the cylinder 93. It isretained therein by an annular ring 102 and cap bolts 103. A spring 104constantly urges the piston out of the cylinder. A shock plunger 105 isslidably disposed on a rod 106 secured to the piston 101. It is urgedoff the rod by a spring 107 but is retained by a nut 108. The saddle 11is provided with a hardened portion adapted to strike the end of theplunger 105.

The piston. 101 is first moved resiliently through the action of theshock spring 107 as the saddle first strikes the plunger 105. Thismovement may be sufficient to cause the jaws to grip the stock. Then theplunger comes into direct contact with the piston and the actionthereafter is positive, except that the pressure relief valve 98 comesinto action to lao' . avoid excessive force on the gripping jaws.

truding convex portion 112 acting By adjusting the nut 108 the time whenthe saddle strikes the plunger and hence the time when the jaws act maybe varied.

The mechanism for reciprocating the feed frame ,65 comprises (Figs. 1and 4) a lever 110 pivoted at one end upon a pin 111. it its mid portionthe lever 110 is provided w1th a proagainst a concave ear 113 secured tothe ame'65. The parts may be linked together by a plate 114 and bolts115. The lever is thus enabled to move the reciprocating frame in eitherdirection.

The other or near end of the lever 110 is provided with a roundedprotuberance 116 (Figs. 1 and 3) engaging the end of a piston 117 whenthe end of the lever is received within the bifurcated portion of thepiston. A spring 118 held u on lugs 119 formed on the lever and upon axed bracket 120 constantly tends to force the lever clockwise about itspivot and return the feed frame to the left. The bracket 120 may beformed integrally with one of the brackets 73.

The iston 117 which actuates the lever 110 in ceding direction ismounted in a cylinder 121 whlch receives fluid by way of a conduit 123from a feed cylinder 124. An adjustable retarding valve 125 is providedfor relieving the shock on the piston 117 when pressure is suddenlybuilt up within the cylinder 124.

A feed piston 126 is disposed in the cylinder 124. It is constantlyurged out of the cylinder by a coil spring 127 but is retained by anannular ring 128 and cap bolts 129.

A striker bolt 130 is threaded into the outer end of the piston 126 andheld in adjusted positions by a lock nut 131. The outer end of the boltis adapted to be struck by a hardened portion of the saddle 11. Byadjusting the bolt 130 the action of the feed frame may be re ulated asdesired to adjust the len th of the feed stroke of the feed frame.

he supply of fluid in the cylinder 121 and the chambers connectedtherewith is replenished from the reservoir 95 by way of a pipe 132. Thepipe is provided with a check valve 133 which avoids back flow into thereservoir.

Means is provided for holding the feed piston in feeding position afterthe saddle has retreated from it. Normally, after gripping, the jawswill retain their gripping position as long as the feed frame is held inadvanced or feeding position but if they do not their associatedclamping piston may be heldi in clamping position by means similar in alrespects to that now to be described for the feeding piston.

On its outer side (Figs. 1 and 2) the feed piston is provided with acatch 135 coopersting with 'a latch 136. The latch is adjustably securedby nuts 137 in a block 138 pivoted at 139' to a bracket 140 secured tothe main frame by bolts 141. This adjustment provides for holding theiston at whatever point it may be carried by the saddle, depending onthe feed adjustment of the bolt 130.

The latch is actuated through a link 143 and cam lever 144 by a releasecam 145 fast on the main shaft 14. The lever is mounted upon a pivot 146carried by a bracket 147 and is provided with a cam roller 148cooperatin with the cam lug 149 for lifting the late from. the catch.Any suitable means maybe employed to cause the latch to be biased towardthe catch.

in operation, assuming that the main shaft 14 is rotating and that thesaddle 11 is reciprocating, the latter will strike the auxiliary shockplunger 105 as it nears the rear end of its stroke. This may notimmediately move the gripper piston 101 but does so after the saddle hasmoved somewhat further. Through the action of the piston 68, receivingfluid under pressure from piston 101, the gripper jaws 60 are closedupon the stock. The relief valve 98in the pipe 92 prevents excessivepressure being imposed upon the gripping aws. At about the time thatfull gripping action is brought upon the stock, the saddle has movedinto engagement with the striker bolt 130 of the feed piston 126. Theexact time will depend upon the ad justed position of the striker bolt.The feed piston creates pressure in the cylinder 121 and moves piston117 forward. This moves the lever 110 and pushes the entire feed frame65 forward. The feed frame carries with it the gripper jaws and thestock which they engage. The amount of feed will depend upon theadjustment of the striker bolt 130. As the saddle returns forwardlyafter reversing its direction of travel the feed piston is heldrearwardly by the latch 136 until the cam 145 releases the latch uponcontinued rotation of the main shaft 14. The auxiliary gripper plungerwhich was first to engage the saddle will be last to disengage it, hencethere will be a tendency for the gripper jaws to maintain their holdingengagement with the stock until the latch has been disengaged. There isadjustment of the auxiliary plunger to assist this, but if it is notenough latch means may also be lustration, it is to be'understood t atvarious modifications and changes may be made withinthe scope of thesubj oined claims.

provided for the gripper mechanism as here- I claim as my invention:

1. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, a stock reducingdevice, stock gripping jaws, a slidable feed framecarrying said jaws, afluid operate-d device on said frame for actuating said jaws, a pistonand cylinder mounted at a fixed position for supplying fluid to said jaw-actuating device, fluid operated means for reciprocating said feedframe, a piston and cylinder mounted at a fixed position for supplyingfluid to said frame-reciprocating means, and means carrying the stockreducing device forstriking the jaw-actuating and frame-reciprocatingpistons for causing them to actuate their respective mechanisms forgripping said stock and subsequently feedmg an increment of lengththereof to the re ucing devices. 7

2. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, stock reducing devices,a reciprocable saddle carrying said devices, stock gripping jaws, asaddle feed frame carrying said jaws, a fluid operated devicefor-actuating said jaws, a fluid operated device for actuating said feedframe, and means actuated by said saddle for controlling the pressure offluid for said devices and thereby controlling the gripping and feedingof the stock. x

3. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, stock reducing devices,feed jaws for gripping the stock, a reciprocable feed frame for shiftingthe stock forward toward said reducing devices, a frame supporting saidfeed frame, said supporting frame and said reducing devices having areci rocable movement relative to each other, flhid operated devices foractuating said gripping jaws and feed frame, and means struck at eachrelative reciprocatory stroke of said supporting frame and reducingdevices for controlling the pressure of fluid for said devices andthereby controlling the gripping and feeding of the stock.

4. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, stock reducing devices,jaws for grip ing the stock, reciprocating means for pro ucing relativereciprocatory movement between said stock and said reducing devices, afluid operated device for actuating said gripping jaws, and means struckat each stroke by said reciprocatory means for creating fluid pressurefor operating said fluid operated device.

5. Apparatus for reducing stock rogressivelyin relatively shortincrements 0 length, comprising in combination, stock reducing devices,a reciprocatory saddle carrying said reducing devices, jaws for grippingthe stock,

and fluid operated means for actuating said j aws, said means includinga piston which is struck at each stroke of the saddle for compressingfluid to operate the jaws.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 which further includes incombination, resilient means disposed between the piston and saddie.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 which further includes incombination, resilient means disposed between the piston and saddie, andmeans for adjusting the resilient means.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 which further includes incombination, a relief valve to limit the pressure of the fluid to avoidinjuring the stock by said jaws.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 which further includes incombination, a reservoir and conduit for replenishing the fluid for saidfluid operated means, and a check valve for preventing back flow throughsaid conduit to said piston.

10. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, stock reducing devices,a reciprocatory saddle carrying said reducing devices, a reciprocatoryfeed frame for advancing the stock intermittently to said reducingdevices, and fluid operated means for reciprocating said feed frame,said means including a piston which is struck at each stroke by saidsaddle for compressing fluid to operate said feed frame.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 which further includes incombination, an adjustable member disposed between said saddle andpiston for varying the stroke of said feed frame.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 which further includes incombination, a flow check valve for absorbing the shock when the saddlestrikes said piston.

13. A paratus as set forth in claim 10 which urther includes incombination, a reservoir and conduit for replenishing the fluid for saidfluid operating means, and a check valve for preventing back flow offluid through said conduit to said reservoir.

'14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 which further includes incombination, a latch for holding said piston in the position to which itis carried bv said saddle, and means for releasing sai piston from saidlatching means.

15. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, jaws for gripping thestock, a feed frame carryin said jaws, a fluid operated device mounte onsaid frame for actuating said jaws and a telescopic pipe connection forconveying pressure fluid to said fluid operated device.

16. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements of length, comprising in combination, a pair of feed jaws forgripping the stock, means for actuating said jaws, and means forequalizing the movement of said jaws relative to the ion itudinal axisof the stock.

1 Apparatus as set forth in claim 16 in which said equalizing meanscomprises, levers engaging the jaws, links connected to said levers, anda centrally pivoted equalizing lever to which said links are attached.

18. Apparatus for reducing stock progressively in relatively shortincrements, comprising in combination, gripping jaws, a reciprocablefeed frame carrying said jaws, means on said frame for actuating saidjaws in one direction and coil springs attached at one end to a art onsaid frame and at the other end to a xed part for actuating said jaws inthe opposite direction.

Intes'timony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this14th day of November, 1930. GEORGE B. CUE,

